Recall 26V236 covers 4,922 2021-2025 Ford Bronco SUVs for transmission-to-transfer-case misalignment after a previous repair. Free repair once Ford opens the final remedy.
Ford is recalling 4,922 2021-2025 Bronco SUVs under recall 26V236 because an incorrectly performed previous repair can leave the transmission-to-transfer-case joint misaligned. The condition can wear the transmission output shaft and transfer case input splines, causing loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway; the final Ford dealer repair will be free once Ford opens it.
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What's wrong?
The transmission and transfer case on a 2021-2025 Ford Bronco work together to send engine power through the driveline. The transmission manages gear changes, and the transfer case sends power toward the wheels through the four-wheel-drive system. Their joint has to sit square and tight so the splined shafts inside stay aligned.
On affected Broncos, a previous transmission or transfer case repair was reassembled incorrectly. The joint between the transmission and transfer case was left misaligned, which loads the splines unevenly. Those splines are the ridged teeth that let the transmission output shaft and transfer case input shaft lock together while they spin. When the joint is off-center, the teeth wear down, and the vehicle can lose drive or fail to hold in park.
The warning sign is a grinding or clunking noise before loss of motive power or loss of park pawl function. Treat that noise as a reason to contact a Ford dealer before taking another trip.
Who's affected?
Spans five Bronco model years, all tied to the transfer case in the powertrain.
| 2023 Ford Bronco | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2024 Ford Bronco | automatic transmission |
| 2025 Ford Bronco | automatic transmission |
| 2021 Ford Bronco | automatic transmission |
| 2022 Ford Bronco | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 4,922 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
Excessive wear at the transmission and transfer case splines can cause loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash. Grinding or clunking noise can come before power loss or park pawl failure, so contact the dealer before driving more than necessary. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once Ford opens it.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2025 Ford Bronco is included in this recall.
- Watch for Ford's follow-up remedy letter before scheduling the final repair.
- Call a franchised Ford dealer if the Bronco loses drive power or rolls after being placed in Park.
- Schedule the free transmission-to-transfer-case joint inspection once Ford opens the remedy; the dealer will replace the transmission and transfer case if spline wear is found.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 26V236 and Ford recall 26S26 when you call.
What happens at the repair
Because this recall is still in the interim stage, Ford is notifying owners of the safety risk before the final dealer repair opens. Once the final remedy is available, a Ford technician will inspect the transmission to transfer case joint and replace the transmission and transfer case as needed, free under the recall. Ford expects the final remedy in July 2026, with additional owner letters after it opens. If you've already paid for a related repair, Ford's standard reimbursement plan covers documented eligible expenses. Keep receipts and repair records for the service desk or Ford customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 14, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 15, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| April 15, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 15, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 27, 2026 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V236?
Recall 26V236 covers 4,922 2021-2025 Ford Bronco vehicles with a transmission-to-transfer-case joint that was misaligned during a previous repair. Excessive spline wear can cause loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing crash risk. Ford's final dealer remedy is expected in July 2026.
What should I do if my 2021-2025 Ford Bronco is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Bronco is included in recall 26V236. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference Ford recall number 26S26. The final repair is not open yet, and Ford will send another letter once dealers have the remedy.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers will inspect the transmission-to-transfer-case joint and replace the transmission and transfer case as necessary for free once the final remedy opens.
Is it safe to drive my Ford Bronco before the repair?
The recall notice does not say to stop driving. The safety risk is loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway from excessive spline wear, which increases crash risk. If the Bronco acts unusual, makes drivetrain noise, or will not stay secured, call a Ford dealer before driving it.
When will Ford notify owners about recall 26V236?
Ford mailed interim letters on April 27, 2026 to warn owners about the safety risk. Additional owner letters are expected in July 2026, once the final remedy is available. VINs became searchable for this recall on April 15, 2026.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V236000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V236 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V236000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →